SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Before Dale Schantz moved to the Syracuse area around 10 years ago, he was a small-town guy from Lewis County known for having a big smile and an even bigger heart, his family said.

Schantz was raised on a small dairy farm in Castorland, a small village of around 350 people. Much of his family still lives near Castorland, including his sister Jennifer Tabolt, who said Schantz was helpful and kind to all that met him.

Tabolt and other family members were at 209 Wendell Terrace Thursday afternoon. A month ago, they were helping Schantz move in to the new home he was renting. On Thursday, they moved Schantz's furniture and other belongings into a trailer.

Schantz, 36, died Tuesday after he was choked by his boyfriend during a fight that led to Schantz going into cardiac arrest and later dying at St. Joseph's Hospital, court paper say.

His boyfriend, 29-year-old David Davis, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter.

Tabolt said the family wasn't aware of any major problems in Schantz and Davis' relationship.

Schantz's family had never met Davis and knew little about him, Tabolt said. The two have been a couple since April and lived with Davis' 5-year-old son, at 209 Wendell Terrace since July. Schantz also had two dogs, Wilbur and Princess.

The house was supposed to be an opportunity for Schantz to pursue his love of decorating and remodeling. He worked in the flooring department at the Syracuse Lowe's Home Improvement store. Schantz's coworkers told Tabolt that they'll miss him, Tabolt said.

Schantz's parents, Thomas Schantz and Catherine Roy-Schantz; his younger brother, Andrew, and the rest of his family and friends will miss him too.